Veterans Day observed around the area

Veterans Day is being observed in a variety of ways at ceremonies and other events around the area. Following are a few of the services planned.

Plano

The Leon Burson American Legion Post 395 will be involved with many activities over the Veterans Day weekend.

Starting on Friday, Nov. 9, Legion members will visit students at Plano Middle School, Emily Johns and St. Mary to discuss the importance and history of Veterans Day. Members will be present in uniform with service flags.

At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, the Honor Guard will perform a service at Memorial Park. The service will include the dedication of new veteran service bricks, a few words from Post Commander Bob Whitmer, taps and a rifle volley salute. Sunday night, the Legion will host a veterans dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. for veterans, family and friends. The dinner is served free to veterans and $10 for nonveterans.

Sandwich

Sandwich students will have an opportunity to hear veterans speak on Friday, Nov. 9. Veterans are invited to breakfast in the high school cafeteria, sponsored by the student council, from 7 to 8 a.m. From there, they will speak throughout the day at the high school, H.E. Dummer Elementary, Sandwich Middle School, Prairie View Elementary, Woodbury Elementary and Haskin Elementary.

Each program will include the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence and introduction of the veterans in attendance.

Yorkville

The Chapel on the Green, 107 W. Center St., is hosting a group of veterans who will share some of their experiences on Sunday, Nov. 11. Doors open at 1 p.m. The program is from 2 to 4 p.m. with refreshments following. The event is free, but donations for the chapel are welcome.

Somonauk

Somonauk schools will host a program on Monday, Nov. 12. All events will take place in the high school gymnasium.

The morning’s events will begin promptly at 8:40 a.m. and include a presentation of colors by Somonauk Legion Post 772, a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by James R. Wood Elementary students, “In Flanders Field” by the high school choir, “Salute to Freedom” and “Gettysburg” by the seventh through 12th grade band, and “A Grateful Nation” led by K-4 and SMS choir students.

American Legion member Chris Morphey will introduce the keynote speaker, Roger Wiley, a veteran of the Vietnam War. At the conclusion of the morning’s events, local veterans are invited to stay for coffee and rolls in the high school cafeteria.

All local veterans, and family members of students and staff who are veterans, are invited to attend and participate. Veterans are asked to contact Somonauk Middle School at 815-498-1866 by Wednesday, Nov. 7, if planning to attend. The community is welcome.

Sheridan

The Veterans Day ceremony at the Sheridan Veterans Memorial is scheduled to begin at noon on Monday, Nov. 12. The ceremony includes a flag raising by Vietnam veterans; singing of the national anthem; a color guard by Sheridan American Legion Post 729; a rifle volley by Plano American Legion Post 395; taps; speakers James “J.D.” Allen, Al Rucker and Chuck Bergeron; and the annual firearm raffle drawing. A free lunch will be served after the ceremony.